This is an abbreviated version of the rules and procedures governing subdivisions and is provided for general informational purposes. You are strongly encouraged to contact an attorney, a surveyor or engineering firm for further guidance.

The principal reasons for subdivision regulations are to ensure that proper design criteria is followed, that essential services are installed correctly, that construction standards are followed. Macon County subdivision regulations govern all divisions of land in the unincorporated areas of the County. Generally, any division of land which creates one or more tracts less than five acres in size or when any new easement of access are created would be considered a subdivision. Transfers of land by will or pursuant to court order, leases for a term not to exceed five years, and the sale of parcels of land between owners of adjoining property will not have to comply with the subdivision regulations. There are many variables and site specific conditions which come into play when deciding whether the division of land would constitute the creation of a subdivision. The Zoning Ordinance, Building Code and nearby municipalities can have an affect on your project.

Minor subdivisions involve the creation of less than six lots. Major subdivisions are those having six or more lots. Many times minor subdivisions do not involve the installation of any physical improvements; major subdivisions almost always do. In either case, any subdivision proposal must gain approval by the County. Also, if the land to be divided is within one and one-half miles of any incorporated town, village or city, that municipality must also approve the project. All subdivision require that a licensed engineer draw up the plan, a licensed surveyor must set the property boundaries and a number of certifications must be secured as part of the review and approval process.

Not withstanding any municipal approvals that may be required, minor subdivisions are handled by the Environment, Education, Health and Welfare (EEHW) Committee of the County Board. County Board approval for minor subdivisions is not required. Major subdivisions first go to the EEHW Committee which then makes a recommendation to the full County Board. Depending on how quickly the engineers, surveyors, etc. accomplish their required tasks will dictate how fast a project or development can be approved. Generally speaking, if all of the project tasks and meeting deadlines are met without any complicating factors, minor subdivisions might be approved in as little as 30 days. Major subdivisions will take in the neighborhood of 60 days. Please note that these estimates are "best case scenario" and may or may not be the case with your project.

Download the Macon County Subdivision Ordinance